X-post to uk.d-i-y

"BlackThumb" wrote in message
...

Hello,

I would like to buy a cocoa tree seedling, but they need to be kept at
15 c minimum. We have the heating on in our house as little as possible,
and during the winter night, use an electric blanket.

It also needs to be humid. The easiest way would be to stand it over
water, but what about heating it? I don't have a green house, but I do
have a conservatory (incase that's any help). I was hoping for the
cheapest way to keep it heated (if possible). Portable heaters are too
expensive to run.

If you don't think it's possible to keep a plant warm cheaply, I guess
I'll have to leave it .


Have you read, for instance
http://www.chocolatetreebooks.com/choccycare.html
"Chocolate trees (theobroma cacao) aren't naturally suited to the UK, but
with some care and attention (or a shaded, humidity-controlled greenhouse),
they can be nurtured and toughened up to some degree as indoor pot plants,
provided that you're aware that potential disaster is always hiding around
the corner, and provided that you realise that if the plant survives, its
going to want to become a tree. If you can recreate the conditions of a
semishaded rainforest canopy region, a plant should be happy. "

This does not look like a project for an ardent money saver.
You might indicate your maximum budget for construction and for ongoing
running.
Thuis could then suggest if you are being practical, or just wishful.

Note especially that if it survives it will want to grow to 30' - 40' tall
eventually.

See also
http://www.gardenbanter.co.uk/united...ndoors-uk.html
for the last post of the discussion by someone from the US.

Cross posted to uk.d-i-y because the creation and maintenance of an indoor
semi-shaded rainforest canopy region on a tight budget looks like an
interesting challenge.

Cheers

Dave R
--
No plan survives contact with the enemy.
[Not even bunny]

Helmuth von Moltke the Elder

(\__/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")